Paneling system and method of installing

ABSTRACT

A system and method of fixing a frame to a panel, that allows panels or the like to be attached to a frame and removed quickly and easily without damage to the panels, frames or their surroundings. Generally, the invention provides for a first article and a second article. The first article may have an aperture and the second article may have a groove or indentation. A first end of a connecting means may be placed in the aperture of the first article and a second end of a connecting means may be placed in the receptacle of a second article such that the forces between the receptacle and the connecting means anchor or secure the first article to the second article. The connecting means may also allow for sliding in a horizontal or vertical direction. However, the first article and second article may also be locked into place. The present invention also provides a method for the easy adjustment, hanging and replacement of paneling systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a system and methodfor fixing panels. Particularly, the present invention provides for asystem that allows for the easy attachment and anchoring of a firstarticle to a second article such as a panel to a frame. Such a systemallows for the easy installation and removal of such articles withoutdamage. Further, the present invention allows for panels to be properlyhung, by providing adjustable panels that may be locked.

[0002] Panels, such as those used to construct walls and fences, havebeen fixed to frames or supports by a variety of different mechanisms.Typically, these involve fixing the panels by nails, pins, screws, boltsor glue. The known methods of fixing panels have the drawback that theycan damage the panel, i.e. with a hole or glue. Further, it can bedifficult to remove the panel without damaging the panel, or withoutundoing screws or trying to remove nails. Screws or nails also leaveholes in the panels that can be detrimental to the appearance of thepanel.

[0003] Present systems and apparatus also suffer significantdisadvantages in that they do not allow for the easy change of panelsaccording to the preference of the owner. By way of example, it would bedesirable to achieve a standard system of paneling according to thetastes of the owner that may be easily attached and removed withoutsignificant difficulty. For instance, the owner of paneling may chooseto have one appearance for business purposes and another for a personalspace. Where a quick installation in order to change the use of a spaceis desired, there is a need for a set of paneling that allows for suchquick, yet sturdy installation. Further, panels can be hung improperlyand need to be readjusted. This can be complex when items are glued orscrewed together. Accordingly, a sturdy, easy to move, remove, replace,and change paneling system and method is needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention is directed to a system and method forattaching or fixing panels. Particularly, the present invention providesfor a system that allows for the easy attachment and anchoring of afirst article to a second article such as a panel to a frame. Such asystem allows for the easy installation and removal of such articleswithout damage. Further, a system and method for the installation ofpanels is provided that allows the position of the panels to be adjustedeasily so that the paneling may hang properly and locked into place whenthe proper position is achieved.

[0005] One aspect of the invention is a system for removably attachingand adjusting a first article to a second article comprising a firstarticle with a connecting means secured within an aperture, a secondarticle with a receptacle adapted to receive a portion of the connectingmeans. The first article may be supported solely by the connecting meansand the receptacle such as to allow movement of the first article withinthe receptacle and removal of the first article without effecting thefirst article, second article or the connecting means.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present invention, a systemfor removably attaching at least one panel to at least one frame isdisclosed which may have at least one double sided connecting means. Thedouble sided connecting means may further comprise a locking means toeffectuate a locked connection. At least one frame with an aperture maybe adapted to receive a first end of at least one double sidedconnecting means. The may also be at least one panel with a receptacleadapted to receive a second end of at least one double sided connectingmeans. The panels may be supported by the at least one frame and atleast one double sided connecting means such as to allow removal andadjustment of the panels without effecting the frames, panels or doublesided connecting means.

[0007] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a systemfor removably attaching a multitude of panels to at least one frame isdisclosed comprising at least one frame with a double sided connectingmeans. The double sided connecting means has at least one sphericalprojection biased to an extended position. A multitude of panels with anelongate groove receptacle are adapted to receive the at least onespherical projection. There may also be at least one support abutting aportion of the system. A helical spring locking means may be utilized toeffectuate a locked connection between the at least one frame and atleast one panel. The frames are supported by at least one sphericalprojection and the receptacle such as to allow movement of the framesrelative to the panel. The helical spring locking means allows for theframes to be secured in place relative to the panels. The panels may beremoved without effecting the frames or panels.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method ofremovably attaching at a first article to a second article is disclosedcomprising inserting a first end of a connecting means into an inaperture in a first article, inserting a second end of a connectingmeans into a receptacle in a second article, adjusting the position ofthe first article relative to the second article and effectuating alocked connection between the first article and the second article. Thefirst article may be supported by pressure between the connecting meansand the receptacle such as to allow movement of the first articlerelative to the second article along the receptacle and to allow removalof the first article without effecting the first article, the secondarticle or the connecting means.

[0009] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with reference to the followingdrawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010]FIG. 1 is a front view a frame and panel fixed together accordingto the present invention;

[0011]FIG. 2 is a front view of another embodiment of a frame and paneltogether according to the present invention;

[0012]FIG. 3 is a front view of yet another embodiment according to thepresent invention;

[0013]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a panel of the type that may beused according to the present invention;

[0014]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a panel that may be used accordingto the present invention;

[0015]FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective views of frames that may be usedaccording to the present invention;

[0016]FIGS. 7A and 7B are partial cross sections of a frame and panelaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017]FIGS. 8A and 8B are partial cross sections of a frame and panelaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018]FIG. 9 is a side view of a double sided connecting means accordingto the present invention;

[0019]FIG. 10 is a side view of a self-locking connecting meansaccording to the present invention;

[0020]FIG. 11 is perspective view of a double sided connecting meansattached to a frame;

[0021]FIG. 12 is a side view of a multitude of connecting means attachedto an article; and

[0022]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a connecting means attached to anarticle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The following detailed description is of the best currentlycontemplated modes of carrying out the invention. The description is notto be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose ofillustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope ofthe invention is best defined by the appended claims.

[0024] The present invention provides a system for fixing panels thatallows panels or the like to be removed quickly and easily withoutdamage to the panels, frames or their surroundings. Generally, theinvention provides for a first article and a second article. Aconnecting means may be used and may be in contact with an aperture anda receptacle or indentation in both the first article and the secondarticle, such that the forces between the indentation and a projectionof the connecting means anchor or secure the first article to the secondarticle. The projection may also allow for sliding in a horizontal orvertical direction. This may be desirable to properly “hang” thepaneling such that a multitude of parts properly line up.

[0025]FIG. 1 depicts a system according to a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention. As shown, the connecting means 10 may have aprojection 12. This projection may be a spherical ball. The connectingmeans 10 may be adapted to fit into an aperture or alternatively areceptacle in a first article 56. The first article 56 may be a frame,as shown. However, it should be understood that the connecting means 10may be in either the first or second article. The second article 20 asshown may be paneling. As shown, the first article 56 may have anindenture 55. The projection 12 extends into the indenture 55 andprovides pressure so as to secure the first article 56 to the secondarticle 20. These may be locked into place by the use of a lockingmeans, or left to freely slide in a horizontal motion. As with all theembodiments disclosed herein there may be any number of projections.However, it may be preferable to have at least two connecting means toprovide a sturdy support for the first article to the second article.

[0026]FIG. 2 depicts a system according to a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention. As shown, the connecting means 10 may have aprojection 12 which is sized to fit into an indenture or receptacle 60.This projection may be a spherical ball. The connecting means 10 may beadapted to fit into an aperture in a second article 20. The connectingmeans 10 may also be adapted to fit into the second article 20 by way ofa receptacle 60 or indenture. The first article 56 may be a frame, asshown. The second article 20 as shown may be a panel. There may also bea number of frames and a number of panels. Also, it may only benecessary to have one end of the connecting means 10 be able to freelymove. By way of example, the connecting means 10 may be a connectingmeans 10 and it may be desirable to insert a first end of the connectingmeans 10 into a receptacle 60 in the frame 56 and lock the connectingmeans 10 such that the connecting means 10 does not move in the frame56. The other end may be left unlocked and allow the panel 20 to freelymove while adjusting the placement of the panel 20. Upon finding thedesired position of the panel 20, the connecting means 10 may be lockedor secured into place. However, it should be understood that it isintended that the present invention may be utilized in order to providefor a set of paneling that may be installed to slide vertically,diagonally, forward, backward, any desired direction without limitation.

[0027] Also, disclosed is a method of removably attaching at a firstarticle to a second article. This method comprises inserting a first endof a connecting means into an in aperture in a first article, insertinga second end of a connecting means into a receptacle in a secondarticle. The position of the first article may be adjusted relative tothe second article and a locked connection effectuated between the firstarticle and the second article. The connecting means may be a doublesided connecting means and it may also be a self-locking connectingmeans. However, it is essential that the connecting means be capable offreely moving in a direction along the first or the second article, suchas a receptacle or indentation, yet also be capable of being secured inplace upon finding a desirable position. The first article is supportedby pressure between the connecting means and the receptacle such as toallow movement of the first article relative to the second article alongthe receptacle and to allow removal of the first article withouteffecting the at second article or the connecting means. It should beunderstood that it is a prupose of the present invention to provide asystem, wherein a connecting means may be freely movable along both thefirst article and the second article until locked into place. It shouldalso be understood that the first article and the second article may bea panel or a frame. It makes no difference whether the first article isa frame or panel, but rather that there is a frame and a panel. Also, itis intended that the connecting means may be secured in an aperature ineither the first article or second article. Also, the connecting meansmay utilize a projection receives within a receptacle which is capableof movement along the receptacle. The connecting means may be doublesided, which is to say that both ends have projections which arereceived within a receptacle. There are a number of variations that areintended to be included within the present invention, including a framewith one end of a connecting means contained within an aperture, a panelwith one end of a connecting means contained within an aperture, a framewith a receptacle for receiving a projection, a panel with a receptaclefor receiving a projection and any combinations thereof. Any of thesecombinations may also include locking means.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, the present invention may be used with amultitude of first articles and second articles. As shown, a number ofconnecting means 12 may be attached to a number of first articles 20 tocomprise a facade of paneling. As shown, there are six first articles20, which may be removably attached to three second articles 50. This iswithout limitation, as any number of first articles and second articlesmay be attached as envisioned in the present invention.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 4, the first article may have grooves orindentations 22 around the edge of the first article 20, which is thiscase is a panel. These indentation 22 serve to receive the projection asdescribed previously.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 5, the panel 200 may be any design or type ofpaneling. This may include metal panels, wood panels, exterior insulatedpanels, stone, pre-cast concrete, masonry, porcelain panels, meshes,fences, wall tile and any other type of paneling known within the art.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the frame 50 which may be the firstor second article may also have an receptacle 54 to receive one end ofthe connecting means. It should also be understood that the receptaclemay be rounded or angular.

[0032]FIGS. 7A and 7B depicts the connection between a first article 20and second article 112. As shown, the first article 20 has a projection12, which extends into an indentation in second article 112. The firstarticle 20 as shown is the panel and the second article 112 is theframe. There may also be supports 110 on either side of the firstarticle 20 and the second article 112.

[0033]FIGS. 8A and 8B depict a connection between a first article 20 anda second article 50 without any added support. As shown, the firstarticle 20 is a panel and the second article 50 is a frame. Theprojection 12 extends into an indentation or receptacle in the secondarticle 50. The projection 12 may be a portion of a double sidedconnecting means or a self-locking connecting means.

[0034]FIG. 9 depicts a double sided connecting means 46 with aprojection 44 at each end. The projection 44 as shown is a sphericalball. There may be a helical spring 46 contained within a body 40. A nut45 may act as a locking means to secure the first or second article sothat it may not freely move. The double sided connecting means 46 may behave a first end placed within an aperture, and a second end placed in areceptacle in the first article or second article as discussed infra.Also, as shown there may be ridges along the body of the double sidedconnecting means 46 to further contain it within an aperture of anarticle such as a frame or panel.

[0035]FIG. 10 depicts a self-locking connecting means 49 with aprojection 44 at one end. It should be understood that this may too bedouble sided. However, the purpose is to show an embodiment of aself-locking connecting means. The spherical ball 44 would allow for afirst article to slide within a receptacle of a second article. Thehelical spring 40 allows for added movement and flexibility of the firstarticle and the second article. The first article would move until thepin 47 catches a hole in the second article. Upon catching, the firstarticle would be removably attached to the second article. As such, aself-locking connecting means in disclosed.

[0036]FIG. 11 depicts a double sided frame embodiment that may beutilized to attach a number of panels along a single frame 50. As shown,a U shaped frame may accommodate a number of double sided connectingmeans 40. This would allow a system such as that depicted in FIG. 3 tobe easily installed.

[0037]FIG. 12 depicts yet another embodiment according to the presentinvention. As shown, a piece 66 may be attached to the back of a firstarticle or panel (not shown) in order to attach the panel to a frame asin any of the ways described herein. This is intended to depict that thepresent invention may be utilized as an add on part that is a number ofconnecting means which are securedly attached to a piece, which is thenin turn attached to a first or second article.

[0038] It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates topreferred embodiments of the invention and that modifications may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as setforth in the following claims.

We claim:
 1. A system for removably attaching and adjusting a firstarticle to a second article comprising; a first article with aconnecting means with a first end secured within an aperture and asecond end that is a projection; a second article with a receptacleadapted to receive said projection; wherein said first article issupported solely by said projection and said receptacle such as to allowmovement of said first article within said receptacle and removal ofsaid first article without effecting said first article, said secondarticle or said connecting means.
 2. A system as in claim 1, whereinsaid first article is either a panel or a frame.
 3. A system as in claim1, wherein said second article is either a panel or a frame.
 4. A systemas in claim 1, further comprising at least one support along said firstarticle.
 5. A system as in claim 1, further comprising at least onesupport along said second article.
 6. A system as in claim 1, whereinsaid connecting means further comprises an automatic locking means toeffectuate a locked connection between said first panel and said secondpanel.
 7. A system as in claim 6, wherein said automatic locking meansis a helical spring with a pin.
 8. The system as in claim 1, whereinsaid receptacle is an elongate groove.
 9. The system as in claim 1,wherein said projection is spherical in shape.
 10. The system as inclaim 1, wherein said connecting means has at least one end that iscylindrical in shape.
 11. A system for removably attaching at least onepanel to at least one frame comprising; at least one double sidedconnecting means, wherein said double sided connecting means furthercomprises a locking means to effectuate a locked connection; at leastone frame with an aperture adapted to receive a first end of said atleast one double sided connecting means; at least one panel with areceptacle adapted to receive a second end of said at least one doublesided connecting means; and wherein said at least one panel is supportedby said at least one frame and said at least one double sided connectingmeans such as to allow removal and adjustment of said at least one panelwithout effecting said at least one frame or said at least one panelsand said at least one panels may move along the receptacle unless saidat least one double sided connecting means is locked.
 12. A system as inclaim 11, further comprising at least one support abutting said at leastone panel.
 13. A system as in claim 11, further comprising at least onesupport abutting said at least one frame.
 14. A system as in claim 11,wherein said locking means is comprised of a helical spring and a nut.15. The system as in claim 11, wherein said receptacle is an elongategrove.
 16. The system as in claim 11, wherein said double sidedconnecting means has at least one end which is spherical in shape and atleast one pin attached to said at least one end which is spherical inshape, such as to effectuate an automatically locking connecting means.17. The system as in claim 11, wherein said double sided connectingmeans is cylindrical in shape.
 18. A system for removably attaching amultitude of panels to at least one frame comprising; at least one framewith a double sided connecting means contained within an aperture,wherein said double sided connecting means has at least one sphericalprojection biased to an extended position; a multitude of panels with anelongate groove receptacle adapted to receive said at least onespherical projection; at least one support abutting a portion of saidsystem; a helical spring locking means to effectuate a locked connectionbetween said at least one frame and said at least one panel; whereinsaid at least one frame article is supported by said at least onespherical projection and said receptacle such as to allow movement ofsaid at least one frame article relative to said at least on panel, saidhelical spring locking means allows for said at least one frame articleto be secured in place relative to said at least one panel and saidmultitude of panels may be removed without effecting said at least oneframe or multitude of panels.
 19. A method of removably attaching at afirst article to a second article comprising; inserting a first end of aconnecting means into an in aperture in a first article; inserting asecond end of a connecting means into a receptacle in a second article;adjusting the position of said first article relative to said secondarticle; and effectuating a locked connection between said at firstarticle and said second article, wherein said first article is supportedby said connecting means and said receptacle such as to allow movementof said first article relative to said second article along saidreceptacle and to allow removal of said first article without effectingsaid first article, said second article or said connecting means.